1. Seven Jewish Values
Guidelines for Inclusive Jewish Community authored by Keshet
_____Kavod - ‫_____________________________________________________דובכ‬
Respect –Judaism teaches us to treat ourselves and others with respect; even the stranger is to be
treated with respect. Kavod is a feeling of regard for the rights, dignity, feelings, wishes and abilities of
others. Teasing and name-calling disrespect and hurt everyone, so learn to respect people’s
differences.
_____Shalom Bayit - ‫____________________________________________תיבםולש‬
Peace in the home -Our community centers, synagogues, youth groups and camps are often our
second homes. Everyone needs to feel comfortable, safe, welcome and respected at home. Don’t
ostracize those who seem different. Strive to settle disagreements in peaceful and respectful ways that
allow all community members to maintain their dignity.
_____B’tzelem Elohim- ‫________________________________________םיהלאםלצב‬
In God’s Image –The Torah tells us that we are all created, “b’tzelem Elohim” (Bereshit 1:26), in the
image of God. This is a simple and profound idea that should guide our interactions with all people. We
do not know the “image of God” except as it is reflected in the different types of people we encounter in
the world. If we can remember that each of us, no matter how different, is created in God’s image, this
idea can lead us to find the connection we have with one another and help create truly inclusive
communities.
_____Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh- ‫___________________הזבהזםיברצלארשילכ‬
Communal Responsibility –The Jewish principal that “All Israel is responsible for one another”
(Shavuot 39a) means that it is our responsibility to stand up for each other, especially for those who are
vulnerable and cannot speak up for themselves.
_____Shmirat Halashon -‫_____________________________________רימשןושלהת‬
Guarding one’s use of Language –The Talmud warns us that we must take care in how we use
language. Talking about others behind their backs, even if we are saying is true, is prohibited. The
guidelines for “shmirat halashon” remind us that what we say about others affects them in ways we can
never predict. Words can hurt or heal depending on how we use them.
_____V’ahavtah L’Reiecha Kamocha- ‫________________________ךומכךצרלתבהאו‬
“Love Your Neighbor as yourself” –Commenting on Leviticus 19:18, Rabbi Hillel once stated that this
was the foundational value of the Torah. It begins with loving ourselves. We must love and accept our
whole selves, and in doing so create the capacity for extending that love and acceptance to others.
_____Al Tifrosh Min Hatsibur - ‫___________________________רוביצהןמשורפתלא‬
Solidarity –“Don’t separate yourself from the community” (Pirke Avot 2:5). When you feel different from
others in your community, don’t isolate yourself. Find allies and supporters who you can talk to. If you
know someone who is feeling isolated, reach out; be an ally and a friend.